Clear Channel Debuts Support for Local Communities

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

Clear Channel announced a new level of commitment to local community affairs that will define a new, higher "minimum level of service" for all markets. The commitment spans five areas: charitable partnerships, public service announcements (PSAs), local public-affairs programming, local advisory boards, and 24/7 access to station management for local officials.

"We are materially increasing our commitment to community programming, increasing our accountability, and broadening our public-service contributions in every local market we serve," said Clear Channel Radio President/CEO John Hogan. "We believe when radio focuses on serving local communities, it is radio at its finest."

Included are improvements to and expansions of existing programs, as well as the launch of entirely new programs. In several cases, the company is expanding the reach of individual market's "best practices" as well as adding new local-service programs.

Clear Channel says these new additions build on the audience-engagement programs already in place at many of its local stations. "Clear Channel has been an exemplary media partner for several years," said The Advertising Council President/CEO Peggy Conlon. "The company's ongoing commitment to our organization is an indication of how Clear Channel values its relationship with its audiences and embraces public service."

Expanded charitable partnerships will be determined at both the local and national level, and will in some cases extend to national public service sponsorships. Clear Channel has already forged long-standing and extensive relationships with a number of vital organizations operating locally, including the Ad Council, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The company also announced significant increases in on-air PSAs and its intention to invite local community leaders and citizens to submit information for future PSAs. Moving forward, PSAs will be required multiple times a day, throughout all dayparts -- a minimum of 12 minutes a day and 84 minutes per week.

On the programming side, Clear Channel Radio plans expansions and improvements for local public-affairs programming. Improvements in the company's signature weekly public affairs shows include moving to higher-audience time slots and using high-profile local talent during broadcasts to generate more community interest.

And in a totally new approach, Clear Channel Radio stations will also be creating short local segments that will run during the week. Ranging from 60 seconds to five minutes, the content, length and placement of the segments will be determined by local Program Directors.

Adding to the direct support of local audiences is an expanded programming commitment to music from local artists. Select AM and FM stations will add to existing new-music shows (e.g., Urban, some Country and some Rock), and some stations will also develop customized programs showcasing local artists.

In addition, the company will expand its New! program for new, local and unsigned artists currently available on hundreds of local station web sites to its highly successful mobile broadcasting application, iheartradio. More than 15,000 new, local and unsigned artists have already been promoted to millions of online and on-demand listeners through the program.

Led by local station management, Local Advisory Boards will bring together community leaders, business owners, listeners and advocacy groups to advise market managers and program directors on community issues, programming concepts and civic opportunities.